Israeli companies develop CARINT vehicle intelligence for espionage

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed that Israeli companies have developed vehicle intelligence technology called CARINT, using which espionage activities are conducted, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Israel develops “car intelligence” technologies

According to a Haaretz investigation, Toka, a notable Israeli company in vehicle intelligence, was founded by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and retired cyber security general Yaron Rosen.

The company develops technologies capable of accessing cars’ multimedia systems to eavesdrop, highlighting how cyber intelligence is conducted at high levels of government. Intelligence gathered from vehicles is known as CARINT (car intelligence), and Israeli firms are reportedly leading the global surveillance race in this field.

Vehicles collect real-time audio and video data

Toka specializes in accessing in-car cameras and linking camera feeds with vehicle telemetry. Its technology can monitor vehicle movements and locations, remotely access the hands-free system’s microphone, and even control dashboard or external cameras.

Although the Israeli Ministry of Defense approved Toka’s products, the company stated it no longer sells this technology.

Rayzone and TA9 combine data for full intelligence

Rayzone, another Israeli firm, sells a “surveillance device” for monitoring vehicles. Its subsidiary TA9 merges data collected from cars using AI to produce comprehensive intelligence, tracking targets in real time via SIM cards, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections.

The intelligence includes cross-referencing vehicle license plates, road cameras, and other data points, highlighting that vehicle data is only one component of a broader intelligence ecosystem.

United states collects car data too

Digital systems in modern vehicles, from brakes to airbags, create opportunities for intelligence collection. U.S. agencies like the FBI and NSA request regular data from vehicle manufacturers, similar to requests made to tech companies.

This allows tracking drivers’ identities, social media accounts, locations, and driving habits. U.S. companies such as Palantir and Berla analyze license plate data and vehicle records, which can then be shared with Israeli intelligence firms like Rayzone and Cellebrite.

Israel integrates car intelligence into military operations

Israeli firms reportedly used this technology during the October 7, 2023 Al-Aqsa Storm operation in Gaza to track vehicle locations.

Other Israeli companies, such as Elta, Ateros, and Netline, also develop car intelligence products. Systems like GeoDome can integrate license plate recognition with state databases, while sensors in tires can create a “digital fingerprint” for each vehicle, enabling tracking without digital hacking.

Vehicle systems can be remotely controlled

Due to risks of data leaks, the Israeli military forbids high-ranking officers from using Chinese-made electric cars, as these vehicles must share data with their government. Security experts warn that attackers can take full control of a vehicle’s digital systems, potentially steering it remotely or disabling the engine.